Mini Easter Haul

I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend! The weather in Chicago wasn't very "springy," but it was nice to celebrate the holiday with family anyways! I did a bit of shopping and got a gift from the Easter bunny!

Saturday morning my family and I headed to the outlet mall. As a college student I appreciate shopping discount and it was great that J.Crew Factory was 50% off! Unfortunately I didn't find much, but I did find a couple of things that I LOVE --> Navy Blue Chino shorts (where are you warmer weather?) and a flower "clusterish" necklace with gold hardware. I have been eyeing the necklace for months and feel that it is very versatile. The chinos are also a great addition to my wardrobe because Navy is my neutral and I just know I will get a ton of use out of the shorts once the weather is appropriate. 

Target is always promising and on my latest trip this past Saturday I picked up a Burt's Bees lipstick in the color 532 Russet River. I love everything about this new product and plan on getting more shades. The lipstick is moisturizing, color is lightly pigmented so it's easy to build up, the packaging is sleek, eco friendly, and fun! The second item I purchased is an exfoliating body scrub AND wash! It is genius that this product is two in one. The brand You are Amazing had about 6 different scents to choose from and the tube of 8oz was $3.99. I loved the scent I picked up and the price (again broke college student-wants a bang for her buck.) This product immediately smoothed out my dry winter skin after one use. It is a quick and easy product to use that made me feel like I put much more effort into my shower routine than I really did. 

You are never too old for a teat from the Easter bunny! As a girl with super stick straight hair I have found myself with a plethora of curling irons, some got old and thrown out, others lost, some broken, and others I gave up on. I somehow am always looking for my next go to curling iron. I have a 1in, 1.5 in, and a curling wand, but oh no I was now missing a 1.25in! I justify each heating tool because hello, they all do something different. So the Easter bunny heard my cry and got me a curling iron! I was way too excited about this. I tried it right away and loved it. It is a Pro Beauty tools 1.25in curling iron and is fairly inexpensive. It gave me the loose bouncy curls I was looking for and was easy to use. I highly recommend this curling iron because you are given full control of the heat temperature (also heats up fairly quickly,) the cord is long and rotates 360 degrees, and the handle is thin and easy to grasp. 

Sometimes you just need a few treats to perk you up and I am so happy with this mini haul because they are all products I will get much use out of! 

-Diana 

Mini Haul: School Supplies

For ages: most people's logic is that if they have "cute" school supplies they will be excited and motivated to get work done. -- Well, duh of course this logic is true! 

I have always loved school supplies and I do not think my love for them will ever fade. Being organized is key to success and school supplies allows for us to be organized; so, we should like our supplies shouldn't we? -- YES! I love following study tumblr blogs and pinterest boards. I get inspired by the neatness and organized school notes on social media to also work hard in my own studies. 

So, today after class I went on the hunt for a notebook and colored pens. I stopped at BLICK and found a variety of colored pens (I spent a little too much time picking out pretty colors.) Then on to target I went in search of a notebook. I found a navy blue leather notebook. It is simple and my favorite color! I was on my way out when suddenly the dollar section caught my attention. I found file folders, dividers, post-its, and a To-do post-it list pad. All things that I planned to get eventually, but there they were, cute, simple, and priced at $1. I was ecstatic! I hurried home and have just finished organizing a binder for all of my classes this semester. I now feel that I am more prepared to carry on with homework. I wish I had been more organized since my freshman year of college, but oh well. It's never too late to start good habits. 

I suggest everyone hit up their nearest target! The school supplies I got today reminded me of Kate Spade school supplies. Last week I was at Paper Source and almost spent 10 times the amount for each item that I bought today. I fell in love with the Kate Spade school supplies at Paper Source, but I am so happy with my purchases today, and so is my wallet! 

No need in breaking the bank to be productive and organized. 

Happy Studying to all!

-Diana 

Haul: Lilly Pulitzer For Target

Happy Spring! I am sure that many have heard about the Lilly Pulitzer for Target collaboration that came out today. It has already been covered on news channels and items from the collection can be found for outrageous prices on ebay. This collaboration was different from past collaborations that Target has had with other designers because of the mixed opinions. While I understand why many people were strongly against this collection, I decided that I was okay with it. The items were shown on Target's website a few weeks ago, and I was immediately convinced that I had to get my hands on at least one piece from the collection; to say the least, I fell in love.

This morning I woke up extra early to make it to Target. I wasn't sure what to expect, I hoped there would not be a long line, but to be safe I got to Target at 7:30am. My mom and I were the second ones in line. I thought standing in line was pointless and by 7:45 I was sure no one was coming, I thought we had it made. Then suddenly cars and cars kept arriving into the target parking lot, and the line grew. Luckily the line was not out of control and were were second in line. So, I was extremely happy with the amount of items that I was able to get.

I was able to get:

1. A shift dress
2. two scarves
3. a makeup bag
4. shorts
5. flipflops
6. a nail filer
7. a giraffe bottle opener (not pictured)

For the most part I was able to get everything that I wanted. I do not want to complain about the things I didn't get because I realize how lucky I am to have been able to get my hands on items from this collection. I was shocked by the turnout and attention that this collection received. However, looking back now I completely understand why.

For one, the quality of these products is AMAZING, all of the items could have been priced higher. I am extremely happy with the quality and the prices. The prints and all items are beautiful and fun. I realize that Lilly Pulitzer is categorized into a certain style and it may not be loved by all, however for those who do like Lilly, this collection did not fall short of the regular priced designs. Third, the attention to detail is great. For example I am obsessed with the pineapple zipper on the back of my shift dress and the pink lining on the zipper as well. 

This collection is fun and perfect for the next two seasons. I am not one to wake up early and go shopping, or even wait in lines for materialistic items. But in this case I am glad that I did. I am definitely a fan of Lilly Pulitzer. My everyday style is not exciting and I love that these pieces will be able to liven up my wardrobe. 

Side note: My mom and I got matching dresses and flip flops. I'm in college and excited to match my mom. #I'mnotadork. She won't let me wear it on the same day that she does, she's crushing my dreams. 

Did anyone else shop this collaboration? If so I'd love to know what you guys got.

-Diana

Shopping for a Cause

Two days ago, Target (my personal Mecca) and TOMS teamed up together to create a collection that is not only cute but also gives back to people in need.

The collection is not only limited to shoes, there is: homeware, clothing, and accessories. And each item has a specific item that will be donated such as shoes, blankets, or meals. I think this is a fantastic collaboration because not only is it relatively cheap (everything is under $50) but it is cute and functional. Plus, there is a chance to make a huge difference in peoples lives with the items being donated since Target is such a big corporation and a lot of people shop there.

Let me show you some of my favorite pieces of the collection that I will be picking up this Thanksgiving Break...

$16 each; Gives one week of meals to Americans in need

Mugs are either $12 or $15; each give on week of meals

Blankets are $30; each gives a blanket to a person in need 

Scarves are $20 and Beanies are $16; each give a blanket to someone in need

Candle is $15; gives one week of meals to someone in need 

Set of Journals are $10; give one week of meals to a person in need 

All of these items are great as gifts for people for the Holidays or as a gift to yourself! Most of the collection is neutral so it works with everything and can appeal to anyone's tastes. There are a lot of great other items for men, children, homeware, and accessories. Please check out the entire collection here. And remember don't feeling guilty, because you are shopping for a cause!

-Emily

P.S. Sorry I have not been blogging much, I am trying to get a lot of work done before this upcoming (and much needed) Thanksgiving Break!